Swiss Federal Council election, 2010
The Swiss elections of 2010, the United Federal Assembly elected on 22 September 2010 in two by-elections Simonetta Sommaruga ( SP) in the fourth and Johann Schneider -Ammann ( FDP.Die Liberals ) in the fifth round as new members of the Swiss Federal Council. They took the seats of retiring Federal Councillors Moritz Leuenberger (SP ) and Hans -Rudolf Merz (FDP).
By choosing Sommaruga first time there were more women than men in the Swiss Federal Council. After Finland, Switzerland is the second European country in which this constellation hired within the government.
Starting position
Moritz Leuenberger was elected in 1995 as a successor of Otto Stich (SP). He stood since the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications ( DETEC). Twice, in 2001 and 2006, he served as president. On July 9, 2010 Leuenberger announced his resignation in late 2010.
The since his election in 2003 as the reigning head of the Federal Department of Finance Hans- Rudolf Merz announced on 6 August 2010 to his resignation as of October 2010.
In this configuration, two different dates for the by-elections would have been necessary according to the Federal Constitution and Act of Parliament. To facilitate the choice of a single date, Leuenberger declared after strong public pressure - even from his own party - 9 August 2010 his resignation date, even without specifying an exact date, preferable. The successor to the office older Leuenberger is doing before that Merz 'is selected.
On August 18, his retirement date has been clarified as of October 31, 2010 by Leuenberger. Merz was on 28 September 2010, the public October 28, 2010 as the date of his resignation unknown.
Candidates
For the successor Leuenberger of their respective cantonal parties Simonetta Sommaruga (BE), Hildegard Fässler (SG ), Eva Herzog ( BS) and Jacqueline Fehr ( ZH) have been nominated. The Group has finally nominated 3 September 2010 Simonetta Sommaruga and Jacqueline Fehr as official candidates.
For the follow- Merz ' have been nominated by their respective cantonal parties Peter Malama (BS), Ruedi Noser (ZH), Karin Keller -Sutter (SG), Johann Schneider -Ammann (BE) and Ignazio Cassis ( TI). The Group has finally nominated September 3, 2010 Karin Keller -Sutter and Johann Schneider- Ammann as official candidates.
The Swiss People's Party has announced plans to lay claim to one of the two seats for themselves. The Group has 3 September 2010 National Council Jean -François Rime (FR) nominated as candidates.
The Greens have also sent a candidate in the race. In an interview, the National Councils Geri Müller, Brigit Wyss and Marlies Bänziger were. The Group has finally nominated September 3, 2010 Brigit Wyss as an official candidate.
The CVP, however, has decided not to set up a candidate.
The choice
Succession of Moritz Leuenberger
Succeeding Hans -Rudolf Merz
The Federal Assembly comprises 246 members. Alfred Heer ( SVP) was not present as the only member for health reasons.